With Ahkello Witherspoon on IR, the Rams face a cornerback crunch that could push outside help or a heavy internal reshuffle. The plan centers on balancing in-house depth with possible upgrades, leveraging Forbes Jr. and Durant as likely starters while Williams handles the bulk of Witherspoon’s snaps as CB3. A.J. Green and Cam Lampkin loom on the practice squad as quick-elevate options, and a veteran could be dipped into if a steady starter is required. Week 7 timing after the bye could shape the decision timeline.

From there, the Rams’ Week 2 clash with Tennessee highlighted where the defense flashed and where coverage stress showed, underscoring the need for reliable depth as the schedule tightens. The decision matrix weighs immediate competitive impact against long-term stability, with external signings or quick practice-squad promotes as the two main routes.

The Los Angeles Rams cut 34 players, including seven who are most likely to be claimed on waivers: Chris Paul Jr., Willie Lampkin IV, Brennan Jackson, Tanner Ingle, Cam Lampkin, Brennan Presley, and Cody Schrader. With a 16-man practice squad to guard against immediate claims, the Rams still risk losing depth as other teams evaluate their preseason impressions. The churn creates immediate shifts on the depth chart and could shape practice-squad signings and early-season special-teams roles.

Among the seven, Paul Jr. stands out as a fifth-round rookie whose athletic ceiling could attract surprise claims. Lampkin IV, Jackson, Ingle, Lampkin, Presley, and Schrader each carried a blend of trait appeal, preseason flashes, and versatility that make them attractive targets for rosters in need of depth at linebacker, edge, and skill positions. Expect the Rams to monitor waiver outcomes closely and pivot quickly on the 53-man roster and practice squad landscape.

Cleveland hosts Los Angeles in a preseason finale that doubles as a Week 1 tune‑up. The Browns will scout five Rams players to slow the offense and test depth: Stetson Bennett IV, Cam Lampkin, KT Leveston, Shaun Dolac, and Jarquez Hunter. Also in focus are Rams standouts Nate Valcarcel and Brennan Presley, who could swing the outcome as Cleveland evaluates its roster for RB3 and other depth roles.

Bennett has the Rams’ offense humming with two preseason games, delivering 512 passing yards, 5 touchdowns, and 2 picks, while Lampkin flashed elite coverage early and Leveston posted elite run blocking. Dolac has impressed at linebacker, and Hunter is the streaky back carrying the Rams’ ground game. Cleveland must neutralize the run and contain Bennett’s timing to keep the dress rehearsal from tilting away from them.

The Browns will lean into roster decisions behind Pierre Strong Jr. and Ahmani Marshall and aim to limit big plays from the Rams’ first unit. Defensively, Cleveland looks to pressure Bennett and disrupt the rhythm of a rolling Rams attack, while sorting through its own RB3 battle and evaluating depth pieces for the 53.

Stetson Bennett delivered a 324-yard, three-TD performance in a 23-22 Rams win over the Chargers, capping the night with a 5-yard game-winner to Tru Edwards. The showing reinforces him as a viable QB2 option for Los Angeles as Matthew Stafford’s status remains uncertain. The Rams’ backfield impressed again, with Kyron Williams and a trio of backups—Blake Corum, Jarquez Hunter, and Cody Schrader—producing a steady ground game that totaled over 130 rushing yards. Brennan Presley topped 100 receiving yards on six catches, and a crop of youngsters including Edwards and Xavier Smith flashed big-play potential. On defense, Desjuan Johnson and a rising group of edge players generated pressure, while the cornerback room remains crowded and unsettled heading into final cuts. The absence of Stafford postgame adds a layer of intrigue for fantasy managers monitoring information and roster moves in the coming days.

Overall, the Rams showcased depth at multiple positions, especially at running back and wide receiver, while also highlighting the ongoing depth battles in the secondary. The performance underscores a broader fantasy takeaway: even with veteran uncertainties, the Rams appear positioned to mix and match roles, creating upside and risk in the early-season landscape. As 53-man cuts loom, Bennett’s efficiency and the frightening depth in L.A.’s backfield will be key conversations for fantasy players and daily bettors alike.